Frequently Asked Questions

  • Apneista is a Freediving and Yoga school located right on the beachfront in Amed, Bali. We offer personalized freediving courses from beginner to instructor level, daily training, yoga, events, and trips both locally and abroad.

  • We offer a friendly and non competitive training atmosphere that creates the perfect environment to learn and improve your freediving skills.

    People with limited aquatic experience are often amazed by what they can learn in just a couple of days. We work deeply with the mind and body connection and approach freediving as a practice, not only as a sport.

    Apneista takes concepts rooted in traditional yoga and adapts them to modern science and techniques used in freediving.

  • We are based in beautiful Amed, Bali, in Jemeluk Bay, on the northeast coast of the island.

    Our training space includes beachside classrooms, a café, and access to a 25 m freediving training pool and yoga shala at Blue Earth Village, making it perfect for both learning and relaxing.

  • • Easy ocean access. Shore diving allows you to walk directly into calm, warm water and start training. No boat is required, except for depths beyond 50 meters.

    • Ideal conditions. Clear, warm tropical waters with beautiful reefs and wrecks.

    • Community vibe. Amed is one of Southeast Asia’s top freediving hubs, with a welcoming international crowd.

    • Affordable Bali lifestyle. Food, accommodation, transport, and activities are very cost friendly compared to many other freediving destinations.

    • Rich local culture. Traditional Balinese life, temples, local warungs, and a relaxed pace make it an inspiring place to stay.

  • We offer a full range of courses from Level 1 for beginners (2 days), through Level 2 (3 days) and Level 3 deep freediving, as well as Master programs (2 weeks half Masters / 4 weeks Full Masters) and Instructor Training (10 days).

  • No. Beginners with little or no water experience can start with Level 1 and learn at their own pace. You do need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim at a basic level.

    This could be the perfect holiday activity! When was the last time you’ve tried something new?

  • Courses include all necessary equipment, theory sessions, pool sessions, ocean dives, safety skills, and videos.

    The course includes Apneista’s certificate of completion, but it does not include Molchanov's certification fee. If requirements are met, you can pay the fee and obtain your certificate. 

    Food at the café is not included in the course.

  • Yes. Certified Level 2 Freedivers can join our training group sessions, which run every day at 8 am. You will be paired with people diving at similar depths, making it a fun way to improve skills and stay connected with the community.

    To join the training group, you must have at least a Level 2 certification and pass a safety assessment session with us.

    If you do not yet meet the Level 2 requirements, you can book coaching sessions to work toward this goal.

  • Coaching sessions (9 am - 12 pm) include a stretching session, one ocean session, and personalized coaching tailored to your goals, with video analysis.

  • We train at the bay every day at 8 am.

    You must hold a minimum Level 2 certification. You will be asked to complete a safety assessment before joining. You will be paired to dive with people at your level.

    Is equipment included?

    Only weights are included. You can rent all other necessary equipment with us.

    Boat diving and drift diving

    We offer boat dives for depth seekers beyond (50+) meters, three times per week.

    The boat is equipped with all required safety equipment, including special buoys, depth gauges, an oxygen tank, emergency plans, and radios.

  • YES! Freediving is one of the safest practices when done correctly. 

    Safety is at the heart of our teaching.We follow structured, industry standard protocols, teach rescue techniques and breath control, and always emphasize diving with a buddy or under professional supervision.

  • We do provide all necessary freediving equipment for our courses, including mask, fins, wetsuit, and weights. You are also welcome to bring your own equipment.

    Equipment is not included in the Training Session price, however you are welcome to rent any required gear with us.

  • Yes. We run daily yoga sessions designed to support freediving, relaxation, breathwork, and recovery. 

    Sessions take place in one of the most beautiful yoga shalas in the world. We work closely with our sister company Blue Earth Village, which offers workshops, events, and a beautiful space that includes a 25 m training pool, jungle gym, spa, workspace, and sky decks.

  • The Apneista community is friendly, international, and supportive.

    Many freedivers and travelers choose to stay in Amed long term because of the atmosphere, training partners, and social life. It is inspiring to dive alongside experienced freedivers, as you can always learn and receive useful tips. No one feels left out regardless of depth, since freediving is not about competition.

  • One of Amed’s biggest advantages is affordability.

    Freediving courses and daily life in Bali are significantly cheaper than in many other international freediving destinations.

    Level 1 and Level 2 courses are competitively priced compared to similar offerings worldwide.

    Other value perks

    • Courses include a multi level yoga session in one of the most beautiful shalas in the world.

    • Access to community events, yoga sessions, and trips.

    • A local café offering healthy meals and a relaxed social atmosphere.

  • Absolutely. Coming alone is one of the best ways to meet people here.

    Freediving courses, group training sessions, and the café are great ways to connect.

    The community is welcoming, and there is always a new adventure to enjoy both in and out of the water.

  • Wait no more! When was the last time you did something new?

    Reach out through our contact form or instagram. We’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • Yes. Courses and training groups can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Booking in advance helps secure your spot.

    To secure your place, we ask for a non refundable deposit.

    Please understand that if you cancel, the deposit cannot be returned, as we reserve your spot and plan everything around your booking.

  • Yes. We organize trips to top sites such as Manta dives and the USAT Liberty wreck.

    We also run trips around Indonesia, including Raja Ampat and Komodo, as well as international trips such as Mexico, always with experienced guides.

    Please check https://www.abovebelow.life/ for upcoming trips.

  • One important thing to keep in mind is that we do not dive just to obtain a certification. Our focus is on teaching you how to freedive safely, calmly, and with awareness.

    For some people, two days may not be enough to meet all certification requirements, especially if you are not naturally comfortable in the water, and that is completely normal. Just like snowboarding, kitesurfing, surfing, or any new skill, learning takes time. Progress looks different for everyone.

    During these two days, you will have fun, enjoy the experience, and learn about the mind and body connection. You will gain tools that are valuable not only for freediving, but also for everyday life.

    Rather than focusing on the certification, we invite you to focus on the experience and on diving deeper into yourself, which is what freediving is truly about. It is not about numbers or performance, but about presence, comfort, and connection. Sometimes progress simply needs more time.

    Be kind to yourself as you learn something new, trust the process, and enjoy the journey.

    You will receive an Apneista certificate of completion, and your progress will remain in our database. You can always ask us for a referral form or continue training with us at your own pace.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page, email info@apneista.com or Instagram

    We aim to respond quickly. usually within one business day.

  • From Denpasar Airport (Ngurah Rai International Airport)

    Amed is located on the northeast coast of Bali. From Denpasar Airport, the drive to Amed usually takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic.

    By private driver

    The easiest and most comfortable option is to hire a private driver from the airport. Your driver can pick you up right at arrivals, help with your luggage, and bring you directly to Amed.

    The average price for a private transfer from Denpasar Airport to Amed is typically around IDR 600,000 to 900,000 (approximately USD 40 to 60), but this can vary depending on the vehicle type and season. Always confirm the price before you travel.

    By scooter

    If you are confident riding a scooter, you can also rent one and ride to Amed yourself. This gives you flexibility to stop along the way and explore other parts of Bali. The route from Denpasar to Amed is scenic, but it is a long ride and includes hills and winding roads, so only choose this option if you are comfortable with longer scooter rides.

    From Ubud

    Ubud is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from Amed by car. Hiring a driver from Ubud is easy and usually costs around IDR 500,000 to 800,000 (USD 30 to 50), depending on your driver and vehicle. By scooter it will take about the same time as from the airport, but again depends on your confidence and comfort riding longer distances.

    From Canggu

    Canggu to Amed is about 3.5 to 4 hours by car. A private driver from Canggu typically costs around IDR 700,000 to 1,000,000 (USD 45 to 65). Riding a scooter from Canggu to Amed is possible, but it is a long ride and best only for experienced riders.

    From Seminyak or Kuta

    From the popular beach areas of Seminyak and Kuta, Amed is about 3.5 to 4 hours away by car. Most private drivers will quote a similar range of IDR 700,000 to 1,000,000 for this route.